2020 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity & Payload

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Max Payload: 1,685 lbs
• GVWR: 6,000 lbs
• GCWR: 9,000 lbs
• Curb Weight: 4,145 - 4,595 lbs
• Hitch Class: Class III (with factory tow package)
• Max Tongue Weight: 500 lbs

The 2020 Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This versatile SUV is a popular choice for families needing a capable vehicle for daily driving and occasional towing duties, such as a small boat, pop-up camper, or utility trailer.

Tow ratings by engine & trim

For the 2020 model year, the Highlander offered two primary powertrain options: a V6 gasoline engine and a hybrid powertrain. The towing capacity varied significantly between these two.

Payload capacity can vary based on specific trim levels, optional equipment, and the number of passengers. Always check your vehicle's door jamb sticker for the exact payload capacity of your specific Highlander.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's towing capacities are rated according to SAE J2807 standards, ensuring consistent and real-world applicable ratings.

Tow package contents

For the 2020 Toyota Highlander with the 3.5L V6 engine, the factory-installed tow package (standard on all V6 models) includes several key components to enhance towing capability and safety:

• Heavy-Duty Radiator with Engine Oil Cooler: Helps maintain optimal engine temperature under towing loads.
• Transmission Oil Cooler: Essential for preventing transmission overheating during towing.
• 150-amp Alternator: Provides sufficient electrical power for trailers and accessories.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC): An advanced safety feature that uses the vehicle's stability control system to detect and counteract trailer sway, providing greater stability.

Note: The 2020 Highlander does NOT come with an integrated trailer brake controller from the factory. If your trailer requires electric brakes, an aftermarket trailer brake controller will be necessary.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a unibody crossover SUV and is not designed for 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing. These types of hitches are typically reserved for heavy-duty trucks with frame-on-body construction, capable of handling significantly higher tongue weights and overall trailer weights.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

While the 2020 Toyota Highlander with the V6 engine has a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity and a 500-pound maximum tongue weight, it is generally recommended to use a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) when towing trailers that weigh more than 50% of the vehicle's unladen weight, or if your tongue weight approaches the maximum limit. A WDH helps to distribute the tongue weight more evenly across all axles of both the tow vehicle and the trailer, improving stability, braking, and steering control. Always consult your owner's manual for specific WDH recommendations and requirements.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Know Your Weights: Before every trip, ensure you know the loaded weight of your trailer and its tongue weight. Never exceed your Highlander's maximum towing capacity, payload capacity, or gross combined weight rating (GCWR).
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Check tire pressure on both the Highlander and the trailer, ensure all lights are working, and confirm hitch connections are secure.
• Proper Loading: Distribute the trailer load properly, aiming for 10-15% of the total trailer weight on the tongue for conventional trailers. Improper loading can lead to dangerous sway.
• Braking Distances: Allow for significantly longer braking distances when towing. Anticipate stops and begin braking earlier.
• Speed Management: Reduce your speed. High speeds increase aerodynamic drag and put more strain on your vehicle components. Check local towing speed limits.
• Transmission Usage: When going downhill, shift into a lower gear to use engine braking, which helps control speed and reduces wear on your brakes. Avoid continuously "riding" the brakes.
• Monitor Temperatures: Keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge, especially on long climbs or in hot weather.

Common towing-related issues

• Overheating: The transmission cooler and heavy-duty radiator in the tow package mitigate this, but excessive loads or hot conditions can still lead to overheating. Watch your gauges.
• Trailer Sway: While Trailer Sway Control helps, improper loading, side winds, or excessive speed can still induce sway. If sway occurs, gently apply the trailer brakes (if you have a brake controller) or maintain a steady speed and steer straight until it subsides.
• Tire Wear: Towing puts additional stress on your tires. Ensure they are properly inflated for towing and inspect them regularly for wear.
• Brake Wear: Increased weight means more work for your brakes. If you frequently tow, inspect your brake pads and rotors more often.
• Suspension Sag: Heavy tongue weight can cause the rear of the Highlander to sag. A WDH can help alleviate this, and aftermarket air springs or heavier-duty springs can also be considered for frequent heavy towing.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.